Photo by Gary Minish
Northern Lights
If you're visiting Valdez during certain times of the year, you might just hear the locals telling you to "look up!" to see the aurora draped over the local mountain skyline.
It's possible to spot the Northern Lights from Valdez during most of the year, from late summer or early fall through spring, though the darker winter months are best. However, Valdez's coastal location and weather (Valdez is the snowiest town in the United States) make spotting the aurora here less reliable than in other parts of Alaska farther North.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides daily statewide online aurora forecasts.
Viewing Locations
The best areas for spotting the aurora around Valdez are in the areas further out of town, like Robe Lake or in Thompson Pass.
Photo Gallery
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis
Thompson Pass is a great location to look for the Northern Lights Photo by Mathew Osburn
Northern Lights
Aurora Over Heather Bay
Aurora Heather Bay in late August Photo from Pangaea Adventures.
Northern Lights
Camping in Heather Bay
Aurora seen over Heather Bay in late August. Photo from Pangaea Adventures.
Northern Lights
Light Show with Snowcat and Boarders
You can discover the Northern Lights with our local tour operators! Photo by Black Ops Valdez.